LAFAYETTE -- The New Iberia Senior High boys’ soccer team shut out former district foe Comeaux 5-0 in a non-district game Tuesday at Comeaux High.

The Yellow Jackets, who have played 23 games this season, opened scoring when Chris Leeson made a drop pass to Daniel Victorino, who curved a long-range shot into the upper corner for what coach Kevin Hardy said is one of his team’s best goals of the year. NISH made it 2-0 when Andrew Landry headed in a long throw-in by Colby Delahoussaye.

“I recently realized we have now played more games than anyone in the state,” said Hardy. “I’ve always had the philosophy that you should play as many games as you can, but I hope we don’t get worn down and suffer some injuries. So far, so good. We certainly have been toughened up. I’m proud of how the boys have responded to the challenges.”

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In the second half, New Iberia went up by three when Zach Escuriex put in a blocked shot by Leeson. Landry later sent a diagonal ball to Josh Romero, who banged a shot off the far post that bounced into the Spartan goal.

The final goal came when Romero dropped a pass to Delahoussaye, who sent a shot into the back of the net from the 18.

“We outshot them 28-1 which is good but it means we still could do better finishing,” said Hardy. “Our shots are usually not wild but we seem to put a lot of them directly at the goalie. I prefer that to shooting the ball off frame so we just need to be a little more accurate.”

Jordan Leblanc was in goal for most of the game and got credit for the shutout.

“We played pretty well,” said Hardy. “Josh Romero probably had his best game. It was amazing how he ricocheted that shot off the far post.

“What placement! Gabriel Hernandez gave us some valuable minutes at center-mid. Chris Leeson was very dynamic at forward and made things happen which is his role. Colby had a productive game. His long throws have been a good weapon for us.”

The NISH junior varsity won 4-0 on two goals by Delahoussaye and singles by Tyler Gajan and Ian Henderson.

The Jackets are 16-4-3 and play at McKinley on Saturday.

“We had a good December and hopefully are ready for a rough January,” Hardy said. “It starts with two tough trips to Baton Rouge to face McKinley and Woodlawn. We hope to be competitive and avoid injuries.

“Then it’s back to district where we are currently 2-1. We hope two more wins will assure us a berth in the playoffs. Of course, we’re hoping for more.”